Unfiltered Interview: Neeraj Chopra Uncensored on Pressure, Social Media, and Athletics Season Ahead
Interview with Neeraj Chopra: Mental Stress, Social Media, and Breaking the 90-Meter Barrier
Doha, Qatar — The one-and-only Neeraj Chopra, the men's javelin world champion and Olympic medalist, is ready to kick off his 2025 athletics season at the World Athletics' Doha Diamond League event this Friday. The stone-cold superstar is also well-known for his gold at Tokyo 2021 and silver at Paris 2024.
Before heading into this season, ol' Neeraj's been dealing with a storm of drama back home. From social media blowbacks on the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic javelin event invite for Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem, to expressing fervent support for the Indian armed forces amidst their battle against Pakistan, to navigating the absurd expectations riding on his shoulders. Neeraj, being the quintessential badass he is, is thrilled to get back on the field.
In this no-holds-barred conversation with Al Jazeera, the 27-year-old heartthrob of Indian sports chats about the woes of being a high-profile athlete in India, the love-hate relationship with social media, and what's cookin' for his upcoming athletics season.
Al Jazeera: How the bloody hell do you handle the mental pressure of being a high-profile athlete in a nation that downright worships sports, you know, India?
Neeraj Chopra: Winning medals for my country is a matter of unfathomable pride for me, and it generally takes care of some of that pressure. So long as I keep my focus on my tasks and challenges, I tend to overcome mental hurdles with relative ease.
The thing is, I mainly train outside India, either in South Africa during the off-season or in Europe during the competition season. Coming back to India necessitates the maintenance of a public image, for which I have to comply with certain expectations, particularly for sponsorship deals, and I ain't the biggest fan of that part.
Al Jazeera: Blame it on social media, ya say?
Chopra: Bloody oath. Social media gives everyone who can get their hands on a phone and a data connection a platform and freedom to voice whatever the hell they want, regardless of whether it's relevant or not. Sometimes, people take to it to vent their frustrations or take aim at others because they can't cope with their personal crap.
I try not dwell on such comments and keep my focus on the work that matters.
Al Jazeera: Have you ever felt the need to log off social media, and if push comes to shove, could you ditch it completely?
Chopra: I could log off and do so without a second thought, sweetheart. I'm not obligated to maintain a presence. I'm on there to share my journey, promote the sport, and carve a pathway for other athletes from my country. I aim to demonstrate what it takes to become an international athlete.
Javelin is my career, not social media. I don't think twice about ditching social media if necessary.
Al Jazeera: You and Arshad Nadeem have managed to shake up the often European-centric sport of javelin by winning two consecutive Olympic medals. Will this success lead to an upsurge in track and field sports in the South Asian region?
Chopra: To be honest, until a few years ago, I didn't think athletics in India had a promising future. Now, however, I can see a change. For instance, for the first time, four Indian athletes are part of the Doha Diamond League this year. I'm overjoyed. I see people taking notice and athletics gaining traction.
Javelin is gradually becoming a global event, and it's no longer a domain for European athletes alone. My competition, the Neeraj Chopra Classic, is a stride in the same direction. I aim to use it as a platform to show off athletics to the Indian masses and boost its growth.
Al Jazeera: The Doha Diamond League kicks off your season, and while you have an Olympic silver medal under your belt, your World Athletics Championship title is on the line this year. How stoked are you about 2025?
Chopra: I can't bloody wait to get things kickin'. I've got a brand-new coach, former Olympic gold medalist Jan Zelezny, who's helped me incorporate minor tweaks to my routine. The adjustments took some time, but I feel fantastic now. I've faced some groin issues in the past, but they're history now.
Bring on the new season!
Al Jazeera: Your fans have been rooting for you to break the 90-meter barrier for ages now. Does that pressure get to you, and is this the year you finally surpass 90m?
Chopra: I'm in tip-top shape, and I'm buzzing with enthusiasm. In addition to the physical aspect, Zelezny has provided me with techniques to handle the mental part of being an athlete. It aids in keeping the pressure levels at bay.
I've been training consistently, which sets the foundation for spectacular results. Whatever happens on competition day is anyone's guess, but I'm always aiming to surpass my personal best. I've got my eyes set on setting a new personal record on Friday.
In the midst of another thrilling athletics season ahead, Neeraj Chopra shared his thoughts on the growing pressure he faces, both on and off the field. "Breaking news," he admitted, "I do feel the weight of expectations from a nation that truly adores sports, but my focus remains on my training and personal growth."
While discussing his love-hate relationship with social media, Neeraj expressed, "There's definitely a 'war' when it comes to managing my presence on social media. It can be overwhelming, but I strive to use it as a means to promote my sport and inspire other athletes."
Returning to the athletics field, Neeraj is eager to break new ground, particularly in the realm of the javelin, and is optimistic about his upcoming achievements. "I'm excited to step onto the field this Friday, and I foresee a 'sports' revolution," he emphasized, "not just for myself, but for javelin, athletics, and Indian sports as a whole."
